On December 17th, the University of Vermont will host its inaugural December Commencement Ceremony. The ceremony, now called December Commencement, will celebrate the accomplishments of students who complete their degree requirements at the end of summer session or the fall semester. The Faculty Senate approved the change from a December recognition ceremony to a formal commencement in April of 2011, and implementation will begin this year. This ceremony will mark the 208th Commencement at the University of Vermont.
The celebration, on Saturday, December 17, 2011, will start with a Commencement ceremony from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. in the Multipurpose Facility in the Athletics Complex, followed by a reception from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the Grand Maple Ballroom in the Davis Center.
At the ceremony, President John Bramley will give the Commencement address and Provost Jane Knodell, as well other members of the administration, governance, and faculty, will offer remarks.
Eligible students are encouraged to inform family and friends of this change so they may make arrangements to attend the 208th commencement ceremony and reception to share in their accomplishments.
The following is important information pertaining to the 208th Commencement Ceremony:
· To be eligible to participate in December Commencement, students must have completed degree requirements by the end of summer semester or be enrolled in fall courses which, if successfully completed, would result in satisfying all degree and graduation requirements. This eligibility will be verified after the last day to withdraw from courses has passed.
· Students will be required to wear academic regalia (cap and gown).
· Eligible graduate students are invited to participate and will be hooded.
· Medical students (College of Medicine) will not participate.
· Invitations & RSVPs will be handled electronically, and invitations will be sent to eligible student’s UVM email accounts.
· No tickets will be required.
· Students, in full academic regalia, will walk across the stage to receive a diploma cover.
· Diplomas will be mailed in January 2012 once grades have been finalized and the Faculty Senate has approved graduates.
· Students who participate in the 208th Commencement Celebration on December 17, 2011 may not participate in the 209th Commencement Ceremony on May 20, 2012. However, students may opt to participate in the May 20, 2012 ceremony instead of the December 17, 2011 ceremony. Students will indicate preference when they RSVP for the December Commencement Ceremony.
· Student questions pertaining to degree completion or other academic matters should be directed to college and school Dean’s Offices.
· Questions pertaining to the celebration should be directed to Kelly O’Malley, Coordinator of Ceremonial Events at (802) 656-3412, or Academic Ceremonies@uvm.edu.
Information will be updated and posted on the website at the following link as details become available: www.uvm.edu/~cmncmnt/decembercommencement/
Kelly O’Malley, Coordinator of Presidential Events